Local News

Jamie Veach Leaving Director's Position at Murray Center

By Bruce Kropp, WJBD News

The Director of the Murray Developmental Center has resigned his position to return to the private sector.

State Department of Human Services spokesperson Januari Smith confirms the last day on the job for Jamie Veach will be late November. That coincides with the original closure date for Murray Center, which the state has now abandoned as a result of a federal court temporary restraining order. Smith says a replacement administrator will be named in the near future.

Veach told the staff of his plans to leave during meetings on Tuesday. He reportedly is headed to a position at the Clay County Hospital at Flora. Veach has held the Murray Center position for nine years. He was Administrator at Salem Township Hospital before that.

Veach is drawing accolades from his bosses at the Department of Human Services. Department Secretary Michelle Saddler says Jamie Veach is a person of outstanding integrity, talent and professionalism. "We will miss him at IDHS and we wish him all the best in his new position and the future," said Saddler.

The Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Kevin Casey says Jamie has done extraordinary work in a very important job. Casey adds Veach's vast wealth of knowledge and experience will be an asset in his new position.

The President of the Murray Parents Association Rita Winkeler says as with past directors, Veach has worked well with the Parents Association and always had an open door policy, which she hopes will continue with whoever is named as the new director.

The Murray Parents Association and other groups are currently battling in federal court to keep Murray Center open. A temporary restraining order in effect until a January court hearing prohibits the state from moving any resident out of Murray Center without the approval of their guardian.